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2016 Eurovision favourites Russia in jury voting scandal

(Picture: Getty)Russia is today embroiled in yet another Eurovision scandal
after one of their professional jurors decided to periscope themselves
whilst voting on tonight’s semi final.Russia is the favourite to win the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest final
this Saturday. Tonight they compete in the first semi final. Eurovision
organisers will now have to decide whether the Russian broadcaster
responsible for the country’s Eurovision participation will be penalised
or whether their jury results will be declared invalid.The juries vote on the dress rehearsal 24 hours before the live
final. Their votes are then calculated alongside the televote to
calculate each country’s score.The Event Supervisor for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in
Stockholm, Sweden told Metro: “We are carefully looking into it and will
issue a statement later this afternoon”.Russia’s entrant Sergey Lazarev is not connected at all to the
scandal and there are fears that the troublesome situation could affect
his chances of success.Anastasiya Stotskaya, a 33 year old singer broadcast via social media
app Periscope during the performances of Netherlands and Armenia. The
broadcast quickly went viral as Eurovision fans realised what was going
on. Stotskaya has over 1800 followers on Periscope and has received
almost 200,000 ‘likes’ for her broadcasts.

Sergey Lazarev is Russia’s entrant and is not involved in the scandal (Picture: YouTube)A google search also reveals that she is Ukrainian and fans have been
quick to question her partiality as a judge with Ukraine as second
favourites behind Russia in the multi-million pound Eurovision betting
markets.The Periscope video was removed quickly as the scandal broke but it
had already made it onto YouTube where it has over 9,000 views on one of
the uploads alone.Because the broadcast shows two entries including camera angles and
special effects that were not to be broadcast until the live show airs
at 8pm tonight on BBC4.Additionally, the professional juror appears more concerned with how
she appears on her own live broadcast than what’s going on on-screen.
Meanwhile, another juror is seen looking out of a window and missing the
opening of Armenia’s song,a powerful part of the performance.Anastasia gives a wink to her camera after the Dutch performance and
makes a sign to say ‘keep this a secret’ at the end of her broadcast. It
seems highly unlikely that she expected a live broadcast to be kept
secret for very long.50% of votes are via televoting and 50% are from professional juries
who must keep their voting secret until after the Eurovision Song
Contest final on Saturday night. Eurovision voting is carefully managed
and overseen and audited by PwC.The EBU publishes the names of all jurors in advance of the
competition. Russia’s jurors are Larisa Rubalskaya, Denis Maydanov,
Olipmiada Teterich Lipa, Oscar and Anastasia Stotskaya.Earlier this year, there were reports of an alleged homophobic incident suffered by the Israeli entrant Hovi Star when he travelled to Russia to perform at a Eurovision preview event in Moscow.Then Russia’s Eurovision entrant, superstar Sergey Lazarev fell from his stage
prop during his first rehearsal at the Globen Arena last week. Two
weeks before rehearsals, footage emerged of Lazarev appearing to
collapse during a concert in St Petersburg.

(Picture: YouTube)For the first time in the 61 year history of the Eurovision Song Contest, a country has been expelled from the competition.Romania has been thrown out of the competition after its national
broadcaster TVR failed to make payments to the European Broadcasting
Union (the organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest) that date as far
back as 2007.Romania have one of the strongest Eurovision Song Contest records,
having a 100% record for qualifying for the Eurovision final. They were
due to take part in the Second Eurovision Song Contest semi final on
Thursday 12th May. The running order of the show will not be recast following Romania’s elimination.

Ovidiu Anton was due to represent Romania with his pop-rock entry
Moment of Silence. Romania will be silent for a lot longer than a
moment. Ovidiu promoted the song at the London Eurovision Party on Sunday and was expected to reach a strong position in the Eurovision final on May 14th.In a statement released moments ago on the European Broadcasting Union website, it says:

TVR will now no longer be able to participate in the 2016
Eurovision Song Contest and will lose access to other EBU member
services including the Eurovision News and Sports News Exchanges, the
right to broadcast specific sporting events, legal, technical and
research expertise and lobbying services.

Romanian national broadcaster TVR’s debts to the EBU date back to
2007 and with no other Romanian broadcaster a member of the European
Broadcasting Union, it is unlikely that Romania will return to the
Eurovision Song Contest for a number of years.‘This is of course disappointing for the artist chosen to represent
Romania, for our colleagues at TVR who have prepared their participation
so well this year and, not least, for Romanian viewers and the many
Eurovision fans in the country,’ says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor
of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the EBU.Asked what this means for host broadcaster SVT, Sand replied: ‘As
with all participants, SVT has been preparing for Romania’s act
thoroughly over the past weeks. To take an act out at such late stage is
of course a little disruptive, but it will not negatively affect the
2016 Eurovision Song Contest in any other way.’Romania at the Eurovision Song ContestRomania have twice finished third at the Eurovision Song Contest, in
2005 with Luminita Anghel & Sistem with the song Let Me Try and in
2010 with Paula Selling & Ovi and their entry Playing with Fire.Their 2006 entry Tornero by Mihai became one of the biggest summer
chart and club hits across Europe in 2006. Mihai took part in the
Romanian national final again this year, losing out to Ovidiu.In 2011, Romania was represented by Hotel FM featuring British singer
David Bryan. They campaigned extensively in the United Kingdom but
failed to pick up any points from the UK, finishing 4th in their semi final, but only 17th in the final.

He may be known as Mr Melodifestivalen, but Christer Björkman has
said the UK should stop mocking the Eurovision Song Contest and enter
the semi-finals if they’re to have any chance of winning the contest
again.Speaking to i News at
a London lecture ahead of Stockholm’s Polar Music Prize, the Eurovision
2016 producer says Joe and Jake’s entry “You’re Not Alone” would
continue the UK’s recent Eurovision struggles, and commentary from the
late Sir Terry Wogan was also to blame.

“Joe and Jake is a fairly good song
and the boys are charming. It’s a step in the right direction but no, it
won’t win. If you sent another Katrina singing “Love Shine a Light”,
that would make a huge difference.”

“Terry Wogan did the commentary for
25 years and it was always mocking. Now Graham Norton also has this
flippant tone. It doesn’t work. It’s a lot easier to joke than to win.”

Björkman also suggested the UK should give up their Big 5 status and compete at the semi-finals.

“I can understand why you
don’t risk taking that step but if you look at the songs that travel,
they start in the semi-final and they become stronger and stronger
during the week. Conchita wasn’t even mentioned as one of the favourites
before the semi-final and then she became a shooting star – that’s only
because she revealed herself before. And you need to do that.”

Christer Björkman has dismissed claims of block voting, which has often been brought up in the UK, urging the country to instead start taking the Eurovision Song Contest seriously.

“[Block voting] is something
you’ve made up. You sound like the French now. We all love you. We all
want you to be good in this competition. It’s just that you don’t send
any good stuff. Why don’t you?”

“You have to say ‘we are taking
this seriously and we will not stop doing it until we succeed. You have
to accept what Eurovision is – it’s not a singing competition or a song
competition, it is music entertainment.”

He also added a British version of Melodifestivalen judged by Simon Cowell would improve the quality of the UK entries.

Do you agree with him? Should the UK start taking the Eurovision Song Contest more seriously?

Anthony Ko

Anthony Ko, our Lancashire correspondent in the UK, first
became a Eurovision fan back in 2001. Since then, his passion for the
Eurovision Song Contest has blossomed and he has never missed a single
contest. His earliest memory of Nuša Derenda gave him the “Energy” to
switch Eurovision allegiance to Slovenia in 2006. Twitter: @Bjorneo

131 Comments

JakeApril 18, 2016 @ 7:58 pm

Christer is right about what he says, but is wrong about saying
it. The person who is in charge of producing this year’s show and is
responsible for putting the best possible show for all countries
involved should not be going on record and saying “this country’s song
will NOT win the contest”. He is showing bias before the UK even steps
in Swedish soil– that means he will not give the performance the time a
day on the night.

GApril 17, 2016 @ 9:46 pm

He is right

malfidusApril 17, 2016 @ 7:37 pm

I agree with him about Wogan — he was far too cynical and even a
bit bitter by the end. I think Graham Norton is a big step in the right
direction; he finds a better balance between the irreverent and the more
serious, and he’s obviously passionate about the contest. I’d like to
see him take the contest more seriously in general, but it’s important
to have a light touch too. In any case, it’s unprofessional for Christer
Björkman to pass judgement on one of this year’s entries given his role
in helping host the contest. He’s right that we’re not going to win,
but Joe & Jake’s entry is catchy and just as “good” as Denmark’s (if
not better). It’s unfair on the artists for someone in his position to
put it down, however politely.

bellaApril 17, 2016 @ 5:57 pm

He shouldnt have tell that! Maybe he is right but he will harm Frans.People is angry with Sweden.But its not Frans fault.

Maya GApril 17, 2016 @ 2:01 pm

So now Björkman teaches the world how good music should sound like? How condescending.Sweden is rightfully doing well in the ESC, and the UK should indeed up
their game (though I think their song this year is awesome), but the
Swedes should practice some effing humility. They didn’t invent music,
Eurovision is not their play thing and the sun doesn’t out of their
a***.Also it’s not cool the he’s making this statement when involved in this
year’s production and therefore has some power to make or break Jake
& Joe.

FafefifoApril 17, 2016 @ 1:11 pm

I also think ESC should be more about “serious music” than “light
entertainment”. I think the Swedish version is too much “kitsch”..too
much glamour. If you want to see someone who really succeeds with making
it serious as a music event…look at Estonia! Eesti laul has got many
fans about ESC_fans, because of the “alternative” angle to it, and the
focus on content more than visuals, and a more healthy musical credible
“less is more attitude”.I’d like to add one thing. OK – I’ll be the first to admit the
Swedish domination with ESC is TOO big. With all the Swedish penned /
produced entrie, how ESC look more ad more like MF…too much glamour /
kitsch, changing of things to make it more similar to MF etc….I really
think ESC has become “too Swedish”. A feeling many fans share.BUT – in all fairness – it seems that many people “bash” Christer
Björkman for his critism towards BBC BECAUSE he is Swedish. Unfair. The
fact that you are Swedish, doesn’t make you MORE arrogant, more
empowrering by defaulth…(even if there are certain people involved with
ESC 2003/16 I feel are!). Swedish or not. A prominent figure or not. He
might still have valid points! Why just get angry for something, just
because the ciritism comes from Swedes. Would it be more acceptable if
it came from Jon Ola Sand?

Peter HaineApril 17, 2016 @ 10:41 am

What a silly man – he takes himself far too seriously. Surely
everyone knows that this competition is just one huge joke? Terry Wogan
taught us all how to treat it!

PipApril 17, 2016 @ 4:06 am

To be honest, the only thing that annoys me about Björkman’s
comments is this idea of taking Eurovision ‘seriously’. I love
Eurovision but for me, it doesn’t have to be 100% serious. The whole
point of Eurovision was for countries to be united in a singing
competition so whether you send a modern upbeat pop song, a dubstep
operatic vampire or a killer ballad, it doesn’t matter. I actually am
just happy to see countries send anything to the contest because I like
it when more countries take part (and this year we’ve got Bulgaria,
Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina returning which is fabulous). And I
actually think Joe & Jake is probably one of our better entries, so
if Björkman wanted serious I’d say he got it!I find it funny that Björkman says the contest should be seen as
entertainment because to me, the Eurovision is being taken so seriously
that it has become less entertaining. Yes, the song quality over the
last few years has been amazing but trying to listen to watch and listen
to 26 amazing songs in a row is not entertaining to me because my
attention starts to fade. I honestly miss the large amounts of Russian
grannies, Scoochs, Verka Serduchkas, Krista Siegfrids and whatever else
came on the stage. They may not have been winners to everyone
(especially juries), but they gave us a nice break in the competition
from very serious ballads and large amounts of pop songs.But what do I know, I’m just a member of the UK public who actually
voted for Joe & Jake so clearly I don’t know what music
entertainment is…

FafefifoApril 17, 2016 @ 2:36 am

On a general level, one can of course say as a “principle” that one should not interfere too much with other people’s business!BUT that doesn’t apply here I think! Like it or not – Christer is actually in this case 135 % SPOT ON!
I think if you compare UK and Sweden, there is no doubt Sweden wins
10-0 over UK in the footballmatch of “Which country takes ESC most
seriosuly!”Of course – it’s not politially correct to “diss” someone who jut
recently passed. But sentimentality aside, I hardly can’t honestly say
Wogan (or even Norton now) do anything much POSITIVE for the image of
ESC in UK. more make it a laughing stock, with the underlaying xenophbic
musical arrogance that “We know how to make music, the rest of UK
don’t”. Well, recent UK ESC results tell that maybe it’s not that right?
And even if the songs deserve it or not, there IS a tendency of that
the countries which really put most EFFORT into their NFs / ESC are the
countries giainging most succes…..Quite fair really. And Sweden is a
good example – like it or not…:I think it’s a big shame how ESC has been ptroatited as a joke in UK
for ages, and let’s be honest it’s no doubt “Woganism” at least has a
fair share of the part of the blame. In many ways, I actually feel sorry
for UK ESC fans…. UK is such a great pop / rock country. Both for
newcomers and established names. Such a pity of big the gap obviously is
when it comes to ESC. Even if they deserve kudos for at least having a
NF this year, it was a reather unspisired affair, with rather generic
songs (and rather silly stereotypes indicating presentation I think).

Andrey (from Russia)April 16, 2016 @ 11:57 pm

Ooh… Definitely, Bjorkman is afraid of these handsome young UK
guys, because they are supposed to steal lots of voices from his gloomy
and dull hipster-Frans. And I like his nightmare – I like it so much!

Petit voisinApril 16, 2016 @ 11:28 pm

KEEP CALMANDF***Christer Björkman !!

FatimaApril 16, 2016 @ 10:19 pm

For me, the most surprising thing coming out of this was that
Graham Norton was attacked. I thought he was held in very high regard by
the Eurovision cognoscenti, but this can no longer be true. I liked
Graham in the 90s/00s when he was more of a cult figure on Channel 4,
but with the BBC he’s got a bit too Hollywood with boring film stars on
his chat show week after week.

Amor A.April 16, 2016 @ 10:04 pm

I agree with what he said. The U.K has produced some of the
biggest music acts in history in the past and in the present music
industry. Yet for some reason they don’t take the competition seriously
at all. From the 50s to the late 90s they used to dominate ESC almost
always placing in the top 10. But now its like “oh well”.

David WhoApril 16, 2016 @ 9:29 pm

The British papers went with the angle that Sir Terry Wogan was
not only criticised, but disrespected. Indeed, they have a point there.Was Bjorkman unprofessional to talk down a delegation before the
competition? Hypocritical yes, but unprofessional? I’m not sure. If a
delegation really isn’t taking the contest seriously then it might be
considered professional to call them out in the press these days – I
really don’t know who holds Bjorkman to account on that, or if there are
any “professional” guidelines to follow for that position. (I’m sure
someone will enlighten me on that soon.)I agree with what Bjorkman said in principal, it’s just a shame that
so much offence has been taken. So much for coming together.

@DenisI agree that block voting is not as prominent as it was back in the
televoting years, but Russia still very nearly wins every year. Their
worst performance recently was with the Tolmachevy twins, and they came
7th then (after having got into the situation with the Ukraine and with
some anti-gay laws rattified at the same time). And that’s the point,
the voting blocks don’t guarantee a win – think of it as trying to get
over a 3m wall, we’re standing on the bottom and they are on a shelf
about 2m up.I believe that it works like a contest within a contest – the televoters
from the core Eastern block by and large only choose between songs from
the Eastern block, and if Russia isn’t so good one year, they choose
some other country’s song from within the gang. This type of behaviour
was well-known to exist in the cold war, where judges (not in
Eurovision, but in International sports, even chess) would
preferentially vote for their allies.Voting blocks are just the sub-conscious-ish variety of getting on at
Eurovision. However, we know that there is cheating going on as well;
the EBU discarded one jury’s set of votes in 2014 and two sets in 2015.
There are also other countries where the jurors absolutely do
collaborate and they haven’t been challenged yet.This cheating was much more prevelant in 2014 than it was in 2015, but
it still exists. It’s aim was to tie up high televote ranks with jury
ranks in order to get points. Consider last year that countries like
Spain finished 10 places lower than they should have done (if you
averaged the ranks) – Spain did not tie up the jury votes and the
televotes often. There were other countries who were overall ranked
lower than 20th last year and yet they managed to tie up a few jury and
televoting high enough ranks to get the points to finish quite high up
the score board.The EBU brought in their new marking scheme I believe in 2014, with it
was rumoured a new category added last year. That there was an increase
in correlation (agreement) in the way the juries voted between 14 and 15
is statistically identifiable in the data. This is why the EBU have
changed the marking scheme this year – they no longer require the
televoting and the jury voting ranks to match up. This is not a return
to the 2009 – 2012 voting though, the marking scheme has artificially
boosted the top 6 ranked songs in the jury vote at the expense of the
lower ranks. Effectively, the impact of the televote is now less than
50%, unless your televote is correlated across the board (i.e. you get a
high televote rank in most countries).

SkandarApril 16, 2016 @ 7:41 pm

The only problem with his opinion that he mixed poor J&J guys up in the issue with BBC. All other sentences were true.

WillFranApril 16, 2016 @ 7:13 pm

This made the front page of the Mirror today, but he doesn’t come
across well on it. It had a tone of ‘Silly foreniger dares criticise
British/attack our late Wogan’ and was rather anti esc (as you’d expect
from a tabloid).I think they should take all the scorn and venom they have for
Eurovision and direct it at the X Factor instead (hate that show but
they obsess over it).I don’t think Cowell has real interest in the contest but only says
things like this after bad results just to keep his name in the papers.

DenisApril 16, 2016 @ 6:46 pm

Block voting is still there yes, but it’s not as prominent as it
was back then. It plays less of an outcome now, otherwise Russia wood
have won every year with the amount of neighbours and diaspora they
have. So it’s a mix.And yes, the Brits have been somewhat arrogant to the whole thing.
Terry Wogan towards the end of hi career especially made it very obvious
he couldn’t care less about it. Norton although softened has continued
in that vein of “our song really is the best so let’s laugh at everyone
else”. And blame politics when we end up badly”.And then you get all upset and cry baby when we call you out on your
arrogance, and calling us arrogant for doing so. How lovely
double-standard of you guys!You won’t win any friends by blaming everybody else for your own failure.And yes, I say it again. It’s not like Jake & Joe will reach any
wuthering heights with the song so it’ no harm pointing it out. Most
likely they will end up in the standard British spot of 15th-19th and
then we have another round of playing cry-babies and Europe hates us,
and neighbour voting and what not. Though the song is decent and good enough and it deserves to end up a bit higher than 15th. But I can’t see it happening.

Personally, I’ve never forgiven the ESC for challenging Malta
about the 12 points that they gave to us in 2007. Go and listen to the
2007 voting again – it’s ridiculous. The Scandinavians voted for the
Scandinavians and the Eastern block voted for the Eastern block. All
that was going on and they directed their criticism solely at Malta? You
know that little country with less than 0.5 million inhabitants.
Totally surreal!

@davvemost of the songs sent since 2006 and forward has been more or less bad.True, but the reason why they have been worse than we could have
produced is because of the voting blocks. No-one with an existing career
in the UK will go to Eurovision (and even if the acts will, their
managers will not let them go). This has been stated by the BBC and well
reported in the press.And it is not just the UK, other countries have been in the same
situation. The Netherlands for example didn’t get out of the semis for
10 years. Ireland have also suffered from the same problem. Austria left
the competition for a few years after one of the people at the Austrian
broadcaster said that there was something else deciding the outcome and
it had nothing to do with quality.If Björkman thinks that voting blocks don’t exist, then he is very, very poorly informed.

SimonApril 16, 2016 @ 4:58 pm

I don’t blame the UK as a country as much as I blame the BBC. They’ve failed to get a great singer and great song consistently.

JulianApril 16, 2016 @ 4:57 pm

UK should follow the glorious steps of Azerbaijan and buy a
Swedish song each year. Will probably send ESC final to London in 2-3
years. And Bjorkman will be a delight.

mocosuburbianApril 16, 2016 @ 4:32 pm

‘come together’ my ass

davveApril 16, 2016 @ 4:09 pm

This is the Eurovision fans in a nutshell…. they hate and
criticize Björkman for simply stating an opinion. And you write horrible
and nasty things about him. But at the same time you are all claiming
that Booing russia at ESC is wrong and that Russia should not be judge
because of Putins horrible human rights crimes..Putin should get off, Björkman is a horrible dictator that is ruining
the world basically.. you see the ridiculous double standard.f*ck off.

RafaApril 16, 2016 @ 4:09 pm

Olé by UK !!! UK , France , Germany , Italy and Spain have nothing better to do than think about this contest …UK has perfectly understood the pitfalls andneighborhood there , and simply do not need him to win ESC.This contest long time is not what it does, and certainly NOTHING is coming Swedish impolite to say anything to the English …

davveApril 16, 2016 @ 4:06 pm

The UK keep sending singers like Andy Abraham and Josh Debovie,,,,, and you wonder why the UKs results stinks? please.Björkman takes Eurovision seriously, the UK does not. And with that Björkman has the right to give his stance on this matter.

davveApril 16, 2016 @ 4:04 pm

Sweden has won the competition twice in the last 5 years… and the UK are kind of ridiculous…. they make fun of the competition..
but are butthurt when they over and over again ends up in the bottom of
the scoreboard.most of the songs sent since 2006 and forward has been more or less bad.Björkman is 100% right in his criticism of the UK.

ÖsterrikeApril 16, 2016 @ 4:03 pm

instagranto475, this will never happen. The wiwibloggers are only
judgmental on the acts, never on the EBU and their scandals and how the
rig the competition. About EBU related stuff, they let us do the job in
the comment section to avoid get banned from the press centres
themselves.

StevenApril 16, 2016 @ 3:57 pm

The UK came 5th in 2009, their entries in 2011/13/14 were all
VERY GOOD entries. This comment is nothing but a scathing attack from a
wannabe dictator of the contest.

Picking up on things others have said especially @ÖsterrikeVoting blocks and particularly which types matter most :-Televoting years and upto 2012 – diaspora-driven ones were the most
important. Even after 2009, you could still get 6 points if you won the
televote in a particular country.50/50 Jury & televote 2009 upto 2012 – diaspora-driven ones with
better chances if you had ones based on cultural closeness too. These
seemed to benefit the Scandinavians the most initially, but the
ex-Soviet block also benefitted. (Cultural closeness = shared or close
languages, close music industries with cross-over, lots of trade and
also a shared history)50/50 Jury and televote 2013 up to 2015 – ones based on cultural
closeness became more important as the jury could negate a televote win50/50 jury and televote 2016 onwards (but with effect really from
2014 when the jury marking scheme started to have a recognisable effect
in the final marks) – **Correlated voting blocks** – either a song has
wide appeal in many countries or a song appeals to a particular group of
people found in every country. This is most obviously the LGBTI
community, but I wonder if it was thought last year to include people
with special needs & their carers…..

abedullApril 16, 2016 @ 3:48 pm

BTW 2013 esc was the worst in recent years, made in Sweden. Low
budget trying to convince the others it was to make an esc reachable for
poor countries, amazing hipocrisy.Worst stage ever… bad level… low budget…. thanks to you Mr right

instagranto475April 16, 2016 @ 3:43 pm

I’m very happy that this is happening. Finally we can see what
Bjorkman and co are doing to the contest and their view for the ESC, or
should I say the “Eurovision Music Entertainment Show”.Wiwibloggs, William, Deban, Angus, Padraig, Robyn, stop faffing about
with fluffy kitsch “interviews” with Hovi Star and coverage of events
like Israel’s party and get digging. Look into the Kath Lockett scandal,
the sacking of Vlad Yavkovlev, write editorials about how Bjorkman,
Osterdahl, and Sand have been working to water down the contest since
2012. You guys run one of the most respected ESC news sites, start
talking about the real changes that are ruining the contest and who is
behind them. Look at ESC Insight’s and Eurovicious’s work and go from
there. When in Stockholm, meet with Sand and Sietse Bakker and Bjorkman
and co and ask them the hard-hitting questions that need to be asked.
“Eurovision News – With Attitude” – start acting like it!

abedullApril 16, 2016 @ 3:25 pm

He has destroyed the classic Eurovision to make a European melodifestivalen.Eurovision is Eurovision and melodifestivalen is just your selection program.Don’t ruin Eurovision please, Mr right!

abedullApril 16, 2016 @ 3:22 pm

Everybody knows how Sweden won last year, Italy was 1st in
televote and a band of juries all over Europe toOK Sweden’s song as a
favourite instead of the il volo song. That was really strange. When
someone thinks abut a professional jury it comes to mind they are going
to vote for a more classy song, close to bel canto. I thought they
would vote for Italy but… what happened? And in many countries at the
same time!Strange!To win Eurovision you just need juries, friendly juries. .. not Europeans spending money in sms.It was a joke as the commfrom this guy are

JacquesApril 16, 2016 @ 3:21 pm

And also the fact I can’t stop shipping Joe & Jake.

JacquesApril 16, 2016 @ 3:18 pm

Gfy, Christer. The whole world shouldn’t be same, Melodifestivalen-a-like, without a soul.Swedish selection is a very cold, cruel show, and now as well Eurovision, thanks to him. I never liked a Swedish entry except Frans and maybe Loreen. They all are so dull.

abedullApril 16, 2016 @ 3:11 pm

I can’t understand why people think the big 5 concept makes UK or any other country to don’t take seriously Eurovision.Eurovision is just a stage for small countries to be shown but big
countries doesn’t need this platform to get attention in the world.Maybe Sweden now a days is ruling the contest but that’s all they can do as small country.UK has much more important things to do than this. As Germany France Spain or Italy. ..This guy is quite arrogant but well he would die like all of us.

ÖsterrikeApril 16, 2016 @ 3:00 pm

Jai, your point about bloc voting is in my opinion not true. My
country Austria will never do well in Televoting, because there is no
block of friends neighbours behind us. This has always been true in the
past as the poor televote often completely undermined our chances that
we got from juries (2011, 2013, 2015). Conchita is no exception, she
always won thanks to block voting – the found support in the most
important block of all – the LGBTI.The UK knows that Eurovision is a competition between Russia,
Scandinavia and the Balkan with the rest of Europe on the sidelines. And
for the UK there is no need to take Eurovision more seriously than they
do, because they already have the most relevant music industry and do
not need to boast their ego with this competition. Adele would crush
everyone, but why would someone like her want to prepare 4 months only
for a rigged event, when she could in the meanwhile busy make a lot of
money?

MTDApril 16, 2016 @ 2:57 pm

I hate him. But he is right.

oliApril 16, 2016 @ 2:53 pm

Bjorkman has a big mouth. He is arrogant because Melodifestivalen
is a success and Sweden won twice under his supervision, but it wasn’t
very difficult, Sweden already loved Eurovision when he came… If he is
so good, then go to the UK, San Marino, Spain or Portugal and make them
win

sufleApril 16, 2016 @ 2:47 pm

I agree with the fact that the UK should take Eurovision
seriously and there should be a Melodifestivalen-style competition (I
have supported this idea for a long time). But everything else he says
is an insult and is quite frankly rude.The U.K. should not give up their Big 5 status. We have it for a
reason to begin with. You might as well get rid of the Big 5 concept
anyway if you want to say that. Or does he secretly want Sweden to
become part of the Big 5 group? Not happening.To say that we have no chance of winning is also very rude. Maybe our
song isn’t the best this year, but it certainly isn’t the worst. What
is important for us is that we have a good placing, not a victory
because it shows that the BBC is doing something right. Isn’t it ironic that he bashes on us when he came last when he
competed? You have no right to insult us. If you had won the contest,
then yes, but don’t act as if your opinion is important and is god’s
gift to the world.

JaiApril 16, 2016 @ 2:28 pm

I totally agree with everything he said. The UK sends horrible
acts every year and then acts arrogant and mocks the countries who
actually try and care. I’m from America so the Eurovision news I read is
in English which means that aside from Eurovision websites, the
majority of news I read is from the UK. I have to say that the attitude
and snideness of the UK media toward Eurovision make me steer clear of
them and I’m glad that websites like Wiwibloggs exist. Also, at first I
was disappointed that BBC America did not broadcast the contest and that
I had to watch the live feed on the Eurovision website, but after
seeing part of Graham Norton’s commentary I’m glad I don’t have to hear
it every year . I’m a fan of Graham Norton’s talk show but I when don’t
want to hear that he thinks a singer’s dress looks like a toilet brush
or hear him arrogantly deride every non English song. As far as bloc
voting, while is does exist if the UK ever sent a somewhat decent song
they wouldn’t be almost dead last every year. Austria hadn’t won the
contest in decades or even made it out of the semis often but they won
the whole damn thing in 2014!!!! Actually TRY and act like you give a
damn before you complain that the system is rigged against you. The UK
has no one but itself to blame for its failures at Eurovision

mad-professorApril 16, 2016 @ 2:15 pm

Is this leftover rage for him being near the bottom of the board in 1992?

DaanApril 16, 2016 @ 2:06 pm

Eh.. Wasnt Germany in trouble in 2011 because the hosts almost
revealed who their favorites were or something like that? I’d imagine
that Bjorkman should be kicked out for saying who his least favorite is.
It would only be fair. Thankfully we all have to stick our right arm up this ESC and say
HEIL BJORKMAN while we got flags with his smug face everywhere during
eurovision. I honestly hope they will flop one day soon like in 2010
with that sheep that sang.

StevenApril 16, 2016 @ 2:00 pm

He is a disgrace. There is so much irony in this. The amount of
changes that have come to the show as a result of his business have been
farcical. He has no right to criticize an act in this year’s
competition. Graham Norton is the best presenter of the contest, that is
not up for debate. The quicker Sweden are out of control of the contest
the better. This man is so far up his own arse.

Katie BoyleApril 16, 2016 @ 1:38 pm

It’s a little rich for the tv exec who introduced Lynda Woodruff
to our ESC screens to take a pop at the BBC for not taking things
seriously. Ultimately, it’s light entertainment, entries vary and that’s
what makes the show. It’s probably more to do with Swedish sour grapes
at not being a Big 5 nation. Pay the silly Swede no heed.

Whether Björkman is right or wrong is not so relevant. The two
words that immediately sprang to mind when I read this is arrogant and
unprofessional. A man in his position especially as Host and slogan
“Come Together” should not be making derogatory comments to one of his
fellow Delegations. And of course some comments are aimed at Guy Freeman
and the BBC. You don’t hear football managers having a go at fellow
managers BEFORE a football event do you? It’s just NOT done. Whatever
you think you just do not come out with comments like this in the build
up to an event. Björkman should know that and it is pretty poor to say
the least, very unprofessional.Of course there IS bloc voting!! Who is he trying to kid? Is Björkman
that naïve? As though Sweden does not get help from the Nordic
bloc………..of course they do. But that is not the reason why the UK is not
doing well………………we all know why, you do not need to be an expert!!
(Robyn: – the UK does not have a voting bloc, how funny!!)As for having a go at Terry Wogan and Graham Norton? At times in the
past the ESC did have a real joke/comical element. Again who is Björkman
trying to kid? He must have a poor memory. The perception was not of a
serious song contest, but that perception is changing in recent years
and the quality of songs is improving. After 2013 it has become even
less of a song contest though!!He is right about a “music entertainment” competition and not a
“song” competition. Who knows Björkman might have been behind the change
and publication of the EBU guidelines to the juries in 2013 when
vocals, stage performance and staging now represents 75% of the jury
score? So he is right there, but vocals ARE important to the juries, he
is kidding himself again?It is quite ironic then that NONE of Björkman’s 4 favourites with the
best “shows” and vocals were chosen by the Swedish public this year.
They chose a public favourite with a song they liked rather than someone
with amazing vocals and amazing staging!! So based on what he said,
will there be new staging in May for Frans as this entry lacks any type
of wow staging or vocals? It is very possible that Sweden could fail to
make an impact this year as a result and Björkman may have to eat his
words.Björkman needs to make sure he does not turn himself into this arrogant hate character.

Whilst I’m sure his comments were intended right, as someone from
the UK I find them insulting and hypocritical. I don’t see why someone
who is at the head of the entire contest making jibes about one country
in particular, and to insult the memory of someone who was loved on
British TV will only further us from the EBU. Eurovision should be about
coming together and celebrating music, it should be whatever the people
of Europe want it to be, not some cold, slick competition with the
personality of a spoon like Bjorkman is creating. Think he should look
at the motto of this year’s contest and how these belittling and
heartless thoughts fit in with that.

LauraApril 16, 2016 @ 1:06 pm

Spilling the truth tea

Hurricane86April 16, 2016 @ 12:51 pm

Unprofessional and inappropriate to comment in his capacity as the producer of a show in which the UK are competing.

QueenofEurovisionApril 16, 2016 @ 12:40 pm

TBH I can’t force the uk to take it seriously. I find it annoying
how when the UK did take it seriously but others took a joke out of it
we did terribly bad. But then when the uk decided to go along with the
joke Europe then start to take it seriously and now the uk don’t want to
go along with the seriousness of the contest they are hated for it. If
they want to make it a joke contest then let them. It’s up to the UK
what they want to send it’s called democracy. Ps why will foot the bill
if the uk leave the big 5. Sweden? Haha

HéctorApril 16, 2016 @ 12:27 pm

Bjorkman is an a**hole, but I have to agree in the part he says
that UK is only mocking. I also think ‘You are not alone’ is a step in
the right direction, but they need something more. But I have to say, Mr
Bjorkman, that the block voting is very real even if nobody in the EBU
or the delegations wants to admit it. Only Western countries votes for
their real favs, Eastern and Balkan countries make block voting.
Countries like Spain, France, UK or Germany (except Lena) wouldn’t have
won in past years with the same songs and singers that did win (Serbia
2007, Russia 2008, Norway 2009, Azerbaijan 2011, etc…)

Le MalteApril 16, 2016 @ 12:18 pm

How unprofessional for the eurovision producer to publicly share
negative comments about a particular country. It could have been any
act.. it is simply out of order and wrong to say the things Bjorkman
said, prior to the contest. We all know the UK won’t win this year, but
why pick on them, when they are clearly trying? #Bjorkmanthebully

CriticcaApril 16, 2016 @ 12:18 pm

Joe and Jake will be working with stage director Jay Revell. At
the BBC Eurovision page they’re asking ppl to send selfies that might be
added to the staging of You’re Not Alone!!

MattApril 16, 2016 @ 11:57 am

I completely disagree with him, this year I feel a quality act
has been put through which was chosen by the UK public, also watching
Eurovision without Graham Norton would leave the show feeling empty, I
think that if we were to do the semis then we should just not pay as
much into the EBU. I’m sure the UK will do great this year.

TralaApril 16, 2016 @ 11:54 am

Very unprofessional comments about Joe and Jake. Really disappointed.

ÖsterrikeApril 16, 2016 @ 11:51 am

Terry Wogan openly called out on the vulgarity of irregular
voting live on TV. But the Swedes were not different at all, because if
they would have liked the Eastern power in the Eurovision, then they
would not have changed Eurovision over the last years:
overrepresentation in the steering committee, introduction of juries who
almost always favour them, introduction of a jury with the power to
deny televotes to be represented in the combined score and to deny even a
record breaking televoting winner from winning the competition,
introduction of a deliberate draw that never has hurt themselves so far.
And after they won, as hosts their show is underwhelming,
self-demeaning and looks like on a budget, but never shy to send a
controversial blindfolded political message.And I am not sure if Wogan killed Eurovision in the UK (and even if
so, Graham Norton is doing everything to revive it) or if Sweden
(represented by Björkman and Österdahl and their puppet Sand) is killing
Eurovision with their power crazed behaviour. Eurovision does not have
to have at least 10 songs composed by Swedes sung by other countries, it
becomes Swedovision or Melodifestivalen, and the country who performs a
Swedish song best, wins.

CriticcaApril 16, 2016 @ 11:42 am

I agree with some of the comments here though. Björkman basically
threw Joe & Jake under the bus…shame on him for doing that. The UK
ESC is finally putting more effort this year by hosting a song selection
show & hiring a brilliant stage director (who worked with Ellie
Goulding).

ÖsterrikeApril 16, 2016 @ 11:38 am

Björkman should not teach others. The rules and steering
committee changes in favour of Sweden, so they better keep their mouths
shut. How about teaching the UK as a Swede back then in 2010 after
having a losing streak of 7 years of their own in the televoting era,
Mr. Björkman?

CriticcaApril 16, 2016 @ 11:31 am

Let’s drop the Big 5 already. BBC contributes a lot of money to
help semi finalists with their staging and what does UK get in return?
being called ‘cheaters’ by the Turks and being ignored by international
juries. And yet the show is still watched by millions of Brits each
year….there is NO benefit.

MikeGApril 16, 2016 @ 11:30 am

Oh, he finds the UK entry just OK… Christer, don’t forget you
guys have failed big time a couple of times too. And MF is weaker and
weaker every year, so step down your diva-know-it-all podium will ya?NO block voting? HA! Surely decent countries vote for the best song,
it’s a completely different thing the minute you cross over the east.
The UK would NEVER have got the results RUSSIA have with the exact same
songs and same artists… so please.. SHUT UP!

CriticcaApril 16, 2016 @ 11:25 am

Wiwibloggs, Joe & Jake made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. Could you guys make an article about that?

I completely understand Mr. Bjorkman. The UK has given up on
Eurovision ever since their last place in 2003. It seems as if they have
had perception for themselves that they can always do good in ESC. For
the past 10 years only serious candidate from UK was Jade Ewen, and her
entry was suitably rewarded by both the public and the juries. When it
comes to popular musical genres, UK is the best not only in Europe, but
the World too. They have given us so many outstanding, even divine-like
musicians and bands, and I believe they can still do it. However, it is
obvious that someone in the BBC decided to play games on EBU, Eurovision
and its fans. UK has so many awesome musicians which can easily win the
contest, but how does BBC end up with their final choices is beyond me.

DenisApril 16, 2016 @ 10:56 am

Lol, how can people be offended by what Björkman says and find it
rude that he find the song just O,K? Isn’t that what most think about
the song? No one is expecting them to win or be in top 10.And yes, it is an entertainment show. It hasn’t been a strictly
singing show since the 90’s. Since semi-finals were introduced it has
shifted more to an entertainment concept where the whole package is
important, not just song. Otherwise they could just show video-clip of
the songs and judge based on that.Why people wants to downplay or demote the whole entertainment value is
beyond me. That’s the reason most are watching and enjoying the show,
including me.Be honest, how many of the song would you have enjoyed on their own without the show that comes to it? Not even half probably

Random.sage2.6April 16, 2016 @ 10:32 am

Yaaaas! Tell em, Bjorkman! If there were REAL Bloc voting then
Ireland, Australia, Malta, and Israel would give them 12 points for
being an Anglo country like the Scandis do each other. Culture is
culture. A song is a song!

NLApril 16, 2016 @ 10:30 am

I think the idea of having the big 5 is actually great, we always
had 5 fresh performances in the final! Italy became tirth last year, so
being part of the big 5 doesn’t ruin your chanches. This year they
won’t show the 5 (+Sweden) clips, but let them perform in the semi’s
which sounds great. The problem of the uk is the song quality, however its rude for someone like him to say this year’s uk entry is crap. Block voting doesn’t exist? Really? Belarus getting 12 points from
Russia in 2014, for one of the worst songs in the competition! Whatever
the reason for that is, it will not be blockvoting!!!!! …oh well

simon barkerApril 16, 2016 @ 10:19 am

Well I do agree with a lot that he has said, but it is so
unprofessional to say this a few weeks before the contest and to say one
of the entries will not win is just so wrong when you are in charge of
the contest he should be SACKED!!!

Ben RafterApril 16, 2016 @ 10:14 am

He’s right, but he needs to stfu as it’s not his business. This guy thinks he owns ESC now.

LaburnumApril 16, 2016 @ 10:12 am

“..and enter the semi-finals if you’re to have any chance of
winning”, I’m sorry, but what was the point of having the full song from
all the automatic qualifiers shown during the semi-finals. And how do
you expect Sweden to win again if you think that? And to bring Terry
Wogan into this, that is quite low. He did a lot for the show, and he is
the reason why quite a few Brits enjoy Eurovision.

oliApril 16, 2016 @ 9:59 am

Christer Björkman needs to shut up

raulescfanApril 16, 2016 @ 9:50 am

Björkman shouldn’t have said that. Sweden is just about to host
the ESC, and he is one of the big ones for this year. When I saw the
headline I thought “is he crazy?”. I’m sadly starting to think Sweden
will turn out as being an ESC dictator, and they’re just another country
in the contest. They’ve only been getting good places for 5 years now
and they’ve changed the running order choosing way (which I think is the
worst that has ever happened to the ESC), then the voting format and
now they’re starting to advise countries about how their song should.
Did Ireland do this when they got good places for 5 years, did they?
C’mon Sweden, just shut up a little!

PedroApril 16, 2016 @ 9:50 am

I don’t know if I’m petrified with this stupid man or with your stupid agreements! Lord!…

FrancoApril 16, 2016 @ 9:30 am

Why so serious? Graham Norton is the best. I always rewatch the final with the bbc commentary the day after, because it’s fun.

HappyApril 16, 2016 @ 9:27 am

Yesterday my Twitter accounts blew up with comments of people who
were offended by Bjorkman words. Now I’m finally reading what he
actually said and can’t understand – what did he say wrong? Every single
thing is true! UK doesn’t take this competition seriously – it’s a
fact! Norton is mocking pretty much all the contestants – also true. Joe
and Jacke are kinda cute, but most certainly won’t come even near
winning spot – true again! And if UK will ever want a proper chance of
winning then it needs to start taking this competition seriously, and
get the idea that Eurovision is not just about the song, but it’s about
the performance and staging too! Stop messing about and finally listen
to the person who is responsible for Melodifestivallen as well as three
victories in last 15 years!

mathESCApril 16, 2016 @ 9:26 am

Well, I agree with him. I’m French and I can see the difference
this year. In France, our team has been taking the ESC more seriously
and then, today, France is one of the favourites. I’m not saying that
France will win, because it’s possible that France flop in May, 14th
(even if I hope no, and I think that it will not be the case), but the
implication of the Eurovision team has permitted to France to have
another place, more considering, at ESC.BUT I think that’s not at C. Bjorkman to give advises, because in 3
years, he has destroy the Eurovision Song Contest : first, deleting the
random order in Final, now with the voting… and I think that is not his
role to give advises. Shut up and he needs to prepare ESC rather to give
some interview. Come on British : I like your song, and I will vote for
you

LaughingOutLoudApril 16, 2016 @ 9:13 am

It’s hilarious to read all the comments beause Christer is
actually right with everything he said. Too bad you guys don’t see it.

AndersPApril 16, 2016 @ 9:12 am

I think he fails to grasp the British paradox of being awfully
polite and straight-laced about things we just don’t care much about and
only really mock things we love; it’s a very difficult concept for
non-Brits to understand, and to grasp the difference between insults and
“taking the Micky” (in my experience Canadians and Swedes tend to be
the least receptive). Eurovision is an institution and is loved in the
UK, just not revered like some deity.I can’t help but feel he is getting a bit big for his boots, and
since he can rely on at least 40 points from his fellow Nordics before
the stage has even been built (no matter how awful Frans’ song is), a
little less lecturing might serve him well.

oooopsApril 16, 2016 @ 9:10 am

And Sweden didn’t take JESC serious, did PBS tell ’em, answer: NO.

georgekirkasApril 16, 2016 @ 8:58 am

I agree that the UK has to take the contest more seriously! I was
happy that they held a national final this year and I thought that they
would choose an amazing song, but they went for a just OK song!

BenjaminApril 16, 2016 @ 8:57 am

UK Just send Adele and win XD

TonyApril 16, 2016 @ 8:50 am

LOL this is crazy. C’mon let the UK send whatever they want and
keep it in the BIG 5. We need mockery in the contest, too. It is a one
year thing. We need entries to joke about, to be controversial. If
everyone sent Swedish pop song the contest would be boring too.

badgerApril 16, 2016 @ 8:39 am

I never understand why the UK seems to have this attitude like
the ESC is screwing them over and treating them unfairly or like people
aren’t voting for them for political reasons. 2014 is the only year they
could legitimately argue a song really deserved better. The one other
time they sent a good song post-2002, it finished a very respectable 5th
place, and Blue could have done a lot worse than finishing 11th.

neneApril 16, 2016 @ 8:13 am

what the uk needs is someone like the netherlands had in 2013.
the netherlands didn’t make it to the final for 8 years in a row but
when anouk decided to compete in 2013, we suddenly managed to make it to
the 9th place in the final. anouk’s participation really opened doors
for other bigger artists and it made people take the contest serious
again. ilse delange from the common linnets (2014), trijntje oosterhuis
(2015) and douwe bob (2016) all said anouk opened doors for them and
gave them a completely different view on the contest. I generously think
all the uk needs is just one bigger artist to think ‘oh f**ck it i’m
just gonna do this’ to prove that the uk CAN reach a top ten position
and let the uk audience take the contest serious again!

MarcoApril 16, 2016 @ 8:01 am

“Eurovision is […] not a singing competition or a song competition, it is music entertainment”Exactly this phrase is what makes me so angry about how Eurovision is
perceived and managed these last years. YES, Eurovision IS a song
competition! This is the basic idea of the whole thing. Exactly this
idea of “entertainment only” is what indirectly leads people to turn
away from the contest: if voting rules and running orders are not created to get a result
that is as fair as, but instead to get “good entertainment”, every year
some countries feel as if they had been “sacrificed” for another song
and did not stand a chance to qualify in the first place. If countries,
in spite of an improved effort, fail to qualify for the final ever and
ever again partly because of this (and because of not having a diaspora
that could help to just boost them just into the semi-final’s top 10),
the viewers feel frustrated and will turn away, stating the usual “oh,
we don’t stand a chance anyway”.This is not to speak of several voting scandals and rigging in
certain countries which, in combination with the other things mentioned
above, just lead to mockery of the contest (pardon me, of the
entertainment).

StanApril 16, 2016 @ 7:55 am

I like the UK this year… It’s a nice pop song. Melodifestivalen
showed some winners, but also some really bad entries (anyone remember
Eric Saade who only scored with looks and staging???). Also, this year
(if the Nordic block is a bit fair) the UK will end up higher than
Sweden!

oooopsApril 16, 2016 @ 7:43 am

But sadly, Björkman cannot in this case respect the freedom of
opinion(Some thinks that they send great songs, which Christer Björkman
probably not know yet, I loved Electro Velvet last year for example, and
Molly was a fan favourite. How could he forget that? It is maybe his
opinion, but let UK still do their thing, or let everybody in big 5 stay
in the semis’). It just feels like he wants to kick ’em out of ESC,
which I not want to. The more participants, the better.Did forget to write that in my last comment.

Bite your tongue bjorkman, it’s not for you to criticise our Eurovision entries.

oooopsApril 16, 2016 @ 7:32 am

I think UK will surprise this year, but I think every country in
the big 5 should be in the semi finals. But wait a sec, didn’t Italy say
in 2011 that they would only return if they were part of the big 4. Did
they?But the big 5 is just making these countries to bribe, even Italy,
France, Spain, Germany and maybe surprisingly UK, could do well in the
semi finals with the songs they have this year. The big 5 is maybe also
causing their bad results, except Italy and Spain in the latest years’,
but still, I think the big 5 thig is a bit worthless.Greetings from the country of Christer Björkman

Robyn GallagherApril 16, 2016 @ 7:22 am

Colin: “Block voting isn’t real, huh? Along with global warming, I guess ?”Sure, block voting exists – there will always be countries who vote
for others that are culturally similar. But it’s never enough to ensure
an outright victory. Even Russia, who can potentially rely on some
points from the nine former Soviet states, has only managed to secure a
win once.And the UK has its own block pals: it can usually rely on some points
from close neighbour Ireland, English-speaking Malta, as well as the
British diaspora in Spain.

steveApril 16, 2016 @ 7:22 am

For the UK, Eurovision is what it is; a fun, camp competition. Of
course we don’t take it a seriously as some countries- why would we,
when the BBC gets good viewing figures on the night? Mocking some of the
entries is all part of the fun. People need to just chill out, sit back
and enjoy the flight! (contest)

ESCaddictApril 16, 2016 @ 7:20 am

Christer is reported as saying the UK have a good song, the boys
are charming & they are not going to win. What’s wrong with that? He
is right on all three points. Does someone seriously think the UK is
going to win this year? He is stating what we already know.He is right, Terry Wogan was mocking & insulting. I was really
offended by some of the things he said about contestants. Graham is
nowhere near as bad but he is flippant.SBS has stopped treating ESC as a comedy show now that Australia is
competing. Those dickheads that want funny costumes & kitsch songs
are relics from the past.The staging of the song can make a huge difference to the success of a
song. That’s why it is not just a singing or song competition. It is
about engaging with the viewers. That’s entertainment!

RichardApril 16, 2016 @ 7:11 am

Christer is a little behind the times in his assessment of the
UKs entries. This would certainly apply to our Scooch era (bless them)
when tongues were firmly in cheeks, but songs from the last few years
are more credible, even if they were never likely to be winners. Electro
Velvet’s effort could be seen as a joke by some, but as cringey as it
proved to be I think it was intended to be fun rather than awful (not
much of a defence I know). As for the humour angle, with each year I am
missing the quirky, comedy and bizarre entries more and more. It’s why I
have such a soft spot for San Marino this year, Serhat was certainly an
unexpected treat in a very bland selection. The standard has gone up
certainly, but with so many songs in English, and so many credible, if
middle of the road poppy ballads, and hardly any humour or quirky fun,
it runs the risk of taking itself far too seriously. Still love it
though. x

HuhApril 16, 2016 @ 6:59 am

The queen has a point but he needs to deliver his message
properly. Given his recent comments about Sweden’s victory, British
people and others might see him too demanding for this as if he really
owns Eurovision now. Negotiate directly and properly with BBC and don’t
just direct them to the entrants. Joe and Jake are only there to sing
and entertain, just like what your last point is all about.

John DoeApril 16, 2016 @ 6:50 am

This negative remark about Joe and Jake before the contests
wasn’t fair, but it can be counter-productive. Poor boys, they are so
enthusiastic.Where are the articles about them?

TerryApril 16, 2016 @ 6:38 am

If you’d lived in Sweden as I have I don’t think you’d be
surprised by this! If the comments about this years entry are true that
would be totally innapropriate for a producer , and for once we have
entered a decent & contemporary British rock/pop song. People who
dispute British commitment to Eurovision should take a look at the
history books as I believe the BBC staged the contest on at least two
occasions when the previous winners (Luxembourg & France I think)
couldn’t manage to do their bit.

PollaskiApril 16, 2016 @ 6:22 am

Didnt the Swedish commentator say “In case you didn’t notice,
Ukraine’s not here this year for some reason. Anyways, here’s Russia
with a song about peace.” last year? I mean, if thats not snark, I dont know what is. And while I agree that the UK could stand to take the contest
seriously, the fact of the matter is people keep acting like all the UK
needs to do is call up their big name stars- ignoring the fact that no
global superstar is going to give up 3 months of lucrative
studio/touring time to do promotional events for the contest. Nor would
anyone with prominence be willing to risk their careers on an
embarassing finish- which for some stars (like say Coldplay) would be
considered anything less than winning.

Aaron GRApril 16, 2016 @ 6:00 am

Eurovision it TOTALLY musical entertainment. Be honest – if it
weren’t for the amazing, creative staging, how many of these songs would
you love on their own merit? Not very many, maybe a half dozen.Eurovision is the most wonderful show ever, but to dismiss its entertainment value is mistaken and dishonest.

ESC84April 16, 2016 @ 5:23 am

I agree stop mocking the contest, some of the people i met from
UK still thinks Eurovision is crazy-costume or crazy song, but the ratio
of these are shrinking, countries especially from Slavic and southern
Europe are starting to take the contest very seriouslyNevertheless, it is completely wrong to sing it is a muisical
entertainment than a song a contest. A media must has its own style to
maintain in history, just like movie, it can be either entertainment or
art, but if you treat it as solely an entertainment it would become void
that no one wants to talk about (just like the hollywood movie
nowadays)

ColinApril 16, 2016 @ 4:58 am

Block voting isn’t real, huh? Along with global warming, I guess ?And I’d say that UK isn’t mocking anyone. I actually liked most of
their recent entries. How about Molly, Bonnie, Engelbert… this guy
clearly has bias.

fikriApril 16, 2016 @ 4:25 am

gosh i cannot stand this guy at all.

FergyApril 16, 2016 @ 4:16 am

Also this is a man who has a direct influence on the positioning
of songs as a producer. By talking to the media about his opinions on
songs it shows he`s not impartial and biased towards certain songs (in
this case the UK)! So if the UK get placed 2nd we`ll know who to blame

Bjorkman’s right about the BBC needing to put in more effort fot a
better entry. And maybe constantly drowning the contest in negativity
isn’t the best idea in the world. But cutting out the snark ? Nopr

BriekimchiApril 16, 2016 @ 3:36 am

Keep Simon Cowell away….

FergyApril 16, 2016 @ 3:21 am

When it comes to Wogan he`s 100% right.When it comes to Norton he`s 100% wrong.Graham has done an amazing job and added some credibility to the
contest in the UK. Bjorkman is talking like the Swedish Commentary don`t
use any jokes or mock the other countries when they can be just as bad
as Wogan was!

EwanApril 16, 2016 @ 2:27 am

This is why I’m glad about Australia’s switch to its own team,
they genuinely love to have fun and joke, but Julia definitely does it
out of love for the contest (despite most of Australia still seeing it
as something that should remain a kitsch joke). E.g. She loved Italy’s
2014 song but couldn’t help but express her disappointment after Emma’s
performance in the final. And while I agree with bjorkman’s opinion of the UK song I don’t think he should be voicing it in his position.

mad-professorApril 16, 2016 @ 2:23 am

Of course the reason the British, Irish and French public mock
Eurovision is not at all down to a barrage of poor quality songs from
Europe for 50 years, but because they’ve been brainwashed. Also, last
time I checked, it was called the ‘Eurovision Song Contest’, not the
‘Eurovision Musical Entertainment Show’.But most importantly: what is this obsession with the UK at
Eurovision? France and the Netherlands last won in the ’70s, Spain in
’69 – why not focus on how badly they’re doing?

as what i’ve said last years (source:http://eurovisionphilippines.tumblr.com/post/119716856625/eurovision-autopsy-united-kingdom-between-a)
the BBC is scrapping the barrel because of perception. i do agree with
the dark lords comments but i do disagree that the BBC is not trying.
what is the national selection for than trying. the songs weren’t great
but it was serviceable to get us an ok placing and get next year get
better and better and then win.people always think that UK can go from last to winning at eurovision
in about the course of a year that is not the reality. it’s a long
game. the result may vary year on year from now but it will get better.
if we let it shine and not snuff the flame just because it sent schooch.
i don’t want in instant fix. i don’t want to do a germany and get an
instant win then in a couple of year end up with nul pointe. also, your [insert artist here] wont enter eurovision because thier
already successful. the BBC did not to british music that eurovision
seems like an after thought. sweden does not that kind of success
outside eurovision. can an one me a swedish artist that it’s in
eurovision, melfest, abba or avicii?

DenisApril 16, 2016 @ 2:00 am

Mr Björkman has had two wins in three years and top 5 places so I would take his advice.I think most would agree with his statement: It’s a step in right
direction but far from a winner. It probably will end up in typical U.K
territory, 15th-17th spotAs for him commenting on the act, well maybe he was asked what he
thought about them and answered. Besides, he will host the Swedish
pre-selection show so he probably states his opinion there too.And Simon Cowell has actually stated on numeral occasion he would do
it if asked and has proposed several ideas how to do it. Why not? To
have someone as experienced and interested in the contest as Simon could
be a positive factor.I think the attitude can be changed but it must start with the
population, and BBC reflects what the population thinks. Somewhere the
British population started to see it as one big camp event and it stayed
on. Their commentary reflects that view. Norton is funny and every
country needs a Norton but if you’re going to joke about the contest and
entrants then do it with love for the contest, not outright mocking it.
That’s what Norton lacks.So keep him and his joking but let his love for the contest shine
through. His soft funny side as opposed to his cynical old man side.
That could change attitudes and gain positive press.That said though his commentaries are sometimes the highlights of the entire evening.

David WhoApril 16, 2016 @ 1:40 am

Jonas – Thanks for the link. I wasn’t aware of that story. Cowell
seemed to be concerned with Eurovision clashing with Britain’s Got
Talent, so I doubt that issue will be resolved any time soon. Hey, I’ll run the UK selection process if no-one else will! As for changing the culture surrounding it – any suggestions? PR campaign? Re-branding? Axe Graham Norton? (shock!)

Slightly Biased ESC FanApril 16, 2016 @ 1:19 am

Well Sweden’s had a couple titles under his watch so I’d say he
wasn’t wrong. If the UK want to do well they’ve gotta stop playing the
hopeless victim and change the culture, hire somebody who genuinely
cares about the contest.

silvesterApril 16, 2016 @ 1:19 am

Yes, they should stop mocking Eurovision and if they don’t want
to send something good then they should withdraw from the competition.

SethApril 16, 2016 @ 1:12 am

He might have made a few good points but criticising a current
act is unprofessional given his position, and Simon Cowell should stay
as far away from Eurovision as possible.

JonasApril 16, 2016 @ 1:10 am

David Who – Simon Cowell has already expressed an interest, so it’s not the first time the subject has been raised. See – http://wiwibloggs.com/2015/05/31/simon-cowell-eurovision/97147/ .I would hate to see BBC lose the contest to ITV. The show belongs on
the national broadcasters. 4Music (what is that?) sounds even worse.
Commercial television would be more likely to treat it badly if there’s
even a dip in the ratings or whatever.No. Not a good idea.

i do believe that the UK needs to tone down the snark a bit. the
irish commentary was not exciting because they play it straight. i bit
of sas is good not over the top. i think graham norton does get the
balance of being funny while not slagging the song too much. he tells
you if the song is good or terrible. BUT WHEN I HEAR THIS OF THE SIMON COWELL WANNBE THAT IS christer
björkman. IT MAKE BY BLOOD BOIL. THE AROGANCE OF THIS MAN INTO A LEAVE
OF DOUCHBAGERY THAT I DO WISH SWEDEN DOSE NOT QUALIFY NEXT YEAR OR GET
ACCIDENTAL LAST PLACE THIS YEAR. I WANT HIM TO SELF THE SAME PAIN HE DID
IN 2010.ALSO, I THINK BJERKMAN IS RIGGING EUROVISION. THE PRODUCER LEAD
RUNNING ORDER ONLY HIGHLIGHT FAVORITES AND LEAVES SONG THAT MIGHT NEED A
GOOD PLACING TO WIN TO WASTE. IT NOT FAIR AND MAKE THE WINNER MORE OR
LESS KNOWN. NOT THE FIRST TIME SWEDEN (BJMAN) HAS ‘CHEATED’. BACK IN 2008, WHEN
WE STILL HAD 100% PUBLIC. THEY INTRODUCE A ‘JURY SAVE’ AND USED IT SO
SAVE THE FANFLOP THAT WAS HERO BY CHARLOTTE PERRELLI (12 PLACE). LEAVING
THE ACTUAL TENTH PLACER FYRO MACEDONIA TO THE NON-QUALIFICATION.SHAME I WOULD RATHER WATCH UMK THAN MELFEST. IT HAS MORE CONSIDERATION FOR
SONG QUALITY THAN WHICH SONG SOUNDS MORE LIKE JUSTIN BEIBER. will the UK win this year? no. can you get a good placeing this year?
maybe. but a failed eurovision contestant does not decide how and why
any other country presents eurovision

David WhoApril 16, 2016 @ 1:09 am

N.B. I think what Bjorkman said about Joe & Jake’s entry was
fair actually. It is a step in the right direction, but it won’t win.
Sorry guys.

JonasApril 16, 2016 @ 1:05 am

Yes, his own entry is arguably the worst Swedish entry ever – but
I think it’s fair to say he’s learned his lesson. He definitely knows a
thing or two by now. I have to agree with Fatima, he shouldn’t have
revealed his opinion – if the UK do get a bad slot, whether Christer’s
views played a part or not – it won’t appear to be fair. Perception is
important.

David WhoApril 16, 2016 @ 1:05 am

Bjorkman is absolutely right. Unfortunately, all of the general
UK public i have spoken to echo Sir Terry Wogan’s sentiments and
attitude when it comes to the contest – that’s a big problem to tackle.
Another problem is the way the Big 5 funding works, but i’ll let someone
with more knowledge than I clarify that.The main issue being criticised is the attitude and history of the
BBC rather than the public. What is most interesting is how Bjorkman has
raised the possibility of Simon Cowell getting involved when 1. Cowell
is an ITV man, not BBC (i wonder if that’s Bjorkman feeling the waters,
asking if ITV would like to take over UK Eurovision coverage?)2. Cowell has a somewhat controversial image (depending on what show one
talks about). Right now, The X Factor is on its way out, but Britain’s
Got Talent seems to be doing really well.A small note to add: “The Voice UK” has been bought by ITV recently, so
is that another sign of an eventual BBC-ITV switch for Eurovision?A thought: I don’t see why 4Music can’t cover Eurovision in the UK one day in the future. Crazy idea, or genius?

His 1992 song was the worst Swedish entry in decades so he shouldn’t really talk about how to win Eurovision.

JonasApril 16, 2016 @ 1:02 am

I was with him up until he said it’s not a song competition, it’s
“music entertainment”. Also the Simon Cowell judging idea would be
terrible. Finally, Terry Wogan commentated from 1971-2008 so that’s a
lot longer than 25 years.

FatimaApril 16, 2016 @ 12:55 am

I basically agree with Björkman, but I think that Adam is right,
it wasn’t fair of him to belittle Joe and Jake. I think it’s a fantastic
song. It really ought to be a hit in the UK soon, but BBC radio won’t
support it, will they ? And if Björkman doesn’t think it will win, then I
guess #1 or #3 will be the draw he’ll give it if he can.

TomApril 16, 2016 @ 12:51 am

#GetsmackedUK

Robyn GallagherApril 16, 2016 @ 12:49 am

Also: “You sound like the French now.” Sickest burn ever.

Robyn GallagherApril 16, 2016 @ 12:48 am

Christer shouldn’t have criticised Jake and Joe (at least wait
until the 2016 competition is over – let them have their moment!), but
otherwise his criticism of the UK’s attitude to Eurovision is completely
valid.Interestingly, Australia used to use the BBC’s commentary and kept
the same Wogan-style mocking tone when they shifted to their own
commentary team in 2009. But when they came to enter in 2015, SBS knew
that they had to take the competition seriously and enter a decent song.Weirdly, I’ve seen Facebook comments from Australian viewers who are
genuinely annoyed that SBS don’t enter crazy, kitchy songs. But Guy
Sebastian’s fifth place and Dami Im’s odds are showing that they’re on
the right track.The BBC seem to be on the right track this year, but they still have a long way to go.

AdamApril 16, 2016 @ 12:45 am

Whether it’s true or not, it seems really unprofessional for the
*Producer* of the whole show to say that about Joe and Jake. Like it’s
one thing for regular voters/not as important people to say their
personal opinions but when the whole Producer does it, it just doesn’t
seem right. He should be impartial until after the show.Though I agree with him that Terry Wogan messed up eurovision for the
UK by planting those polarizing ideas about the contest in the viewers
(especially years 2000-2008), Christer sounds like he doesn’t know a
thing about british humor. Graham’s commentary is the best, he’s not
annoying and depressing like Terry was.

LooApril 16, 2016 @ 12:40 am

He is absolutely right!

wozzeckApril 16, 2016 @ 12:40 am

Should the UK presen better songs? Yes, sure. Should Graham
Norton change his tone? Damn, no! I wish my country had Graham Norton.
It’s one of the best thing of Eurovision. I can’t wait to download the
BBC broadcast as soon it’s av

About Me

Betty MacDonald Fan Club, founded by Wolfgang Hampel, has members in 40 countries.
Wolfgang Hampel, author of Betty MacDonald biography interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends. His Interviews have been published on CD and DVD by Betty MacDonald Fan Club. If you are interested in the Betty MacDonald Biography or the Betty MacDonald Interviews send us a mail, please.
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